Lake Hanska
About Lake Hanska
Lake Hanska is a 1,795-acre lake near Hanska in Brown County, Minnesota. It reaches 16 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 5 feet, and has roughly 21.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 2.7 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 16 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There are 3 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. Lake Hanska Park is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Hanska
- 1,795 acres, up to 16 feet deep, near Hanska
- 3 public boat launches (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR and county
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 2.7 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
- Camping close to the water at Lake Hanska Park
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR, county
Conditions
- Surface area
- 1,795 acres
- Max depth
- 16 ft
- Average depth
- 5 ft
- Shoreline
- 21.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 2.7 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 1,773 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 3 public boat launches (concrete)
- 1 carry-in access
- Camping: Lake Hanska Park
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Ice fishing
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 16
- Game fish
- 7
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Lake Hanska Park is mapped on or near Lake Hanska. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Hanska
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St. James Lake
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Fedji Lake
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Sleepy Eye Lake
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Kansas Lake
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Hanska?
Lake Hanska is in Brown County, Minnesota, near Hanska. It covers 1,795 acres and reaches 16 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Hanska?
Lake Hanska covers 1,795 acres with about 21.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 16 feet and its average depth is about 5 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Hanska?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Hanska?
Yes. Lake Hanska has 3 public boat launches (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR and county. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Hanska?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Hanska. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Lake Hanska stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Hanska; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Can you camp at Lake Hanska?
Yes. Lake Hanska Park is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.